Practice: APES Earth systems

What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases.

True or false: Carbon dioxide is the most abundant greenhouse gas.

False, because water vapor is more abundant, but CO2 is more significant for climate change.

Fill in the blank: The primary source of increased CO2 is __________.

burning fossil fuels.

Difference between weather and climate?

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions; climate is the average over long periods.

What are the primary components of Earth’s systems?

Lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere.

Question: What is albedo?

Albedo is the measure of reflectivity of Earth's surface, influencing climate.

Which gas has the highest global warming potential?

Methane (CH4) has a higher global warming potential than CO2.

What drives ocean currents?

Wind patterns, Earth's rotation, and temperature differences drive ocean currents.

True or false: Deforestation contributes to climate change.

True, because it reduces CO2 absorption and increases atmospheric CO2.

Question: What is the role of phytoplankton in the carbon cycle?

Phytoplankton absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration.

Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?

The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, protecting life from harmful UV radiation.

Fill in the blank: The process of water vapor becoming liquid is called __________.

condensation.

Which phenomenon indicates climate change?

Increased frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and glacial retreat.

What is the primary contributor to ocean acidification?

Increased CO2 levels dissolve in oceans, forming carbonic acid and lowering pH.

True or false: Methane is more effective than CO2 at trapping heat.

True, methane is over 20 times more effective at heat trapping over 100 years.

Question: What is thermohaline circulation?

Thermohaline circulation is driven by differences in water temperature and salinity, affecting global climate.

Difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Renewable resources replenish naturally; non-renewable resources are finite and deplete over time.

What is a carbon sink?

A carbon sink absorbs more carbon than it releases, such as forests and oceans.

Fill in the blank: The main gas emitted from burning coal is __________.

sulfur dioxide (SO2).

What is the major consequence of permafrost thawing?

Thawing permafrost releases methane, exacerbating climate change.

Question: How does deforestation affect biodiversity?

Deforestation leads to habitat loss, threatening species and reducing biodiversity.

True or false: Increased ocean temperatures can harm coral reefs.

True, warmer waters lead to coral bleaching and ecosystem disruption.

What is the impact of aerosols on climate?

Aerosols can cool the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight, but also contribute to warming through absorption.